Victoria Symphony

Victoria Symphony (VS) is one of British Columbia’s largest performing arts organizations with nearly 60 main season concerts, education concerts, summer concerts, and performances in Duncan and Qualicum Beach. A medium-sized orchestra in size and scope, Victoria Symphony is recognized as a leader in the promotion of Canadian new music. Throughout the years, audiences have discovered the joy and exhilaration of an extraordinary symphonic experience, as we continue to grow artistically and our musicians perform with pride and passion.

Music Director

Maestro Christian Kluxen

Now in his seventh season as Music Director of the Victoria Symphony, sixth season as Chief Conductor of the Arctic Opera and Philharmonic, and first season as the Principal Guest Conductor of the Turku Philharmonic, Christian Kluxen is regarded as one of the most exciting conductors to emerge from Scandinavia. Born in Copenhagen in 1981 to Danish-German parents, Kluxen has a natural affinity towards the Germanic and Scandinavian repertoire, particularly the works of Beethoven, Brahms, Richard Strauss, Nielsen, and Sibelius.

In the press he has been described as “a dynamic, charismatic figure” who “forms the music with an impressive vertical power of emotion and a focus on the grand form”, conducting “with exemplary clarity and a heavenly warmth.” From Canada, to Finland, and Norway, Maestro Kluxen has been recognized for his sincere and transparent leadership, innovative programming, and his bold, imaginative, and energetic interpretations.

Associate Conductor

Giuseppe Pietraroia

Giuseppe Pietraroia is Associate Conductor for both the Victoria Symphony and Pacific Opera Victoria. As a guest conductor he has been engaged by l’Orchestre Métropolitain, Orchestra London, Vancouver Symphony, Toronto Symphony, Calgary Philharmonic, Hamilton Philharmonic, Okanagan Symphony, Regina Symphony, Kingston…

Principal Pops Conductor

Maestro Sean O’Loughlin

Sean O’Loughlin (b.1972) is the Principal Pops Conductor of the Victoria Symphony and the Principal Pops Conductor of Symphoria in Syracuse, NY. As a composer and arranger, his music is characterized by vibrant rhythms, passionate melodies, and colorful scoring. Commissions from the Boston Pops Orchestra, the Los Angeles…

Composer-Mentor in Residence

Rodney Sharman

Rodney Sharman lives on traditional Musqueam territory in Vancouver, Canada. He has been Composer-in-Residence of Early Music Vancouver’s “New Music for Old Instruments”, the Victoria Symphony, National Youth Orchestra of Canada, Vancouver Symphony, and Composer-Host of the Calgary Philharmonic’s…

Musicians of the Victoria Symphony